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Papers of the Winthrop Family, Volume 3

Roger Williams to John Winthrop1
Williams, Roger Wintrhop, John

1637-06-21

For his much honoured Mr. Governour these Mr. Stoughton or Capt. Traske on their way may please to reade this
New Providence this 4th of the weeke, manèca. June 21, 1637 Sir,

John Gallop (blessed be the Lord) is safely arrived at our dores and hath brought from the Lord and you a mercifull refreshing to vs: he be graciously pleased to recompence it a thoughsand fold to the whole land and your selues especially.

434

He relates that there is now riding below 3 pinnaces (the names of the Masters Quick, Jiglies and Robinson):2 and the 2 Shalops as allso that the other whereof——Jackson of Salem is master was in Company with them the night before and waighed anchor togeather but being not able to turne about was faigne to chop to an anchor againe but they hope is in by this time.

Sir I heare our loving friends Mr. Stoughton Mr. Traske etc. are on their way and 160 (the intended number) with them. I hope the Continuance of the number will be seasonable, if not for Pursuit of Sasacous and the Pequts (of whome it is said that they are gone farr and finally) yet for the quelling of their Confederates the Wunnashowatuckoogs and Monashackotoogs etc. who liue neerer to you on the westward etc.

Some 200 of these (since the slaughter at the Fort) came in revenge vpon the Nanhiggonsicks: which the Nanhiggonsicks themselues knew not till three Pequts (now fallen to them) related it: for it pleased the Lord to send a great mist that morning, that they durst not fight, and so returned: so that there is Cause to take some Course with them, and especially if it be possible for the Clearing of land passage to Qunnihticut.

I vnderstand it would be very gratefull to our neighbours that such Pequts as fall to them be not enslaved, like those which are taken in warr: but (as they say is their generall Custome) be vsed kindly, haue howses and goods and fields given them: because they voluntarily choose to come in to them and if not receaved will to the Enemie or turne wild Irish themselues: but of this more as I shall vnderstand: thus in hast with best Salutacions to Mrs. Wintrop and all yours with my poore desires to the Lord for yours I rest Your worships vnfaigned

Roger Williams

My best respects to Mr. Deputie Mr. Bellingham theirs and other loving friends.

1.

American Antiquarian Society; 4 Collections , VI. 194–195; N.C. , VI. 32–34.

2.

Cf. Captain Patrick’s letter written on June 19, two days before this, in which he says that only Captain Quick had arrived (page 431, above).